Artists find display space in vacant storefront

SYCAMORE – Sycamore Artist’s Co-Op Gallery is using the window in a long-vacant storefront in downtown Sycamore to attract visitors and new artists to its gallery on Elm Street.

The new owner of the storefront at 366 W. State St. is Phil Cuthbert, who offered the space to the co-op while he renovates the building.

“He had suggested that we might want to exhibit in his front window for whatever purpose,” said co-op member Bill Mitchell, who carves wood sculptures.

The storefront is the location of the former DiMarzio Realty at the corner of West State and California streets. Passersby who for decades have seen only closed blinds in the windows will now see a rotating display of paintings, drawings and sculptures that co-op members hope will give the group more visibility.

“We are trying to get other people to join the co-op and put on some shows,” said co-op member Kathleen Carrier, who paints and sells acrylic paintings. The co-op’s main gallery shares a space with the Art Attack School of Art at 215 W. Elm St. The gallery hosts the juried work of about 15 artists, but Mitchell said he hopes to attract more artists.

“We’re always trying to bring in new artists and new mediums,” Mitchell said. “We all learn from each other and we gather once a month.”

“Perhaps they have been raising a family and they haven’t been involved in art as much as they used to, and they can bring in a portfolio for us to look at,” he added.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and for special events.

For more information about the gallery and the co-op, contact Mitchell at 815-501-5943.